CRUISE
Nature
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By Diane Tierney
How an Alaskan cruise helped open my eyes about the devastating impact of climate change
Alaska is a ruggedly handsome destination with majestic mountains, glistening glaciers, lush green forests, and flamboyant wildlife that jumps into action to steal the show when it’s least expected. While my first visit to Alaska about 15 years ago with Princess Cruises was fascinating, it was my second visit in 2019 with Cunard on the newly renovated Queen Elizabeth ship that really opened my eyes to environmental issues the state faces. 32 • Vacations ® • Winter 2022
What I saw on TV or read about in the news doesn’t compare to what being there in real life was like – while hiking, kayaking, dogsledding, flight-seeing and other ways to explore. Many of Alaska’s glaciers, which cover about five per cent of the state, have experienced obvious melting. Between 2007 and 2015, the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau has retreated by about 550 metres. I witnessed the melting in action firsthand at the Hubbard Glacier, 320 kilometres north of Juneau. I didn’t have to wait long on the top deck before
